Details about the offer

Have you applied to other universities you consider very close, ‘on par’ or even better than oxbridge? (Ivies, Sorbonne, LSE..others for different subjects) yes

Have you received offer(s) from them? yes

I’ll take Oxford as first choice. Either Durham (AB) or St Andrews (unconditional) as insurance.

Have you met the offer? grades pending/unknown

Decisions about the application

For what reasons did you apply to Oxbridge?

The course mostly.

How did you decide between Oxford and Cambridge?

The course in Oxford suited my interests the most out of all the other universities i looked at. I didn’t even consider Cambridge.

Why did you choose this college/make an open application?

Stunning place. You could get 3 years accomodation. Right in the centre of Oxford, but still quiet.

Preparation

Did your school/college give you any extra tuition or help prior to your interview or application? yes

I had a mock interview with Standard Life, but it was mostly about job applications. I discussed the interviews with my geography and guidance teachers, but i wouldn’t say it was much useful preparation.

Do you have any advice for future applicants in terms of preparation?

The form: Try to be original. Cheese is good as well.

The interview: There is not much preparation you can do, it depends on what you asked. Have a general idea of key geography themes and perhaps previous years course work. If you do a different course from everyone else (like I did) just say if you haven’t covered it, but try your best. Don’t be arrogant, but don’t be nervous either.

Interview

Did you have to sit any pre-interview exams (LNAT/BMAT/..)? no

Did you have to submit any written work prior to the interview? yes

2 Geography essays. In my AH course we only write 2 essays in the entire year, getting 6 months to write them. In 3 weeks, i wrote one 1500 word essay on is population control necessary for development? (A) and an 1000 word essay called: coniferous forest plantations: a blessing or a curse? (B)

Did you have to take any exams as part of your interview(s)? no

How was/were in general your interview(s)?

I had 2, one I thought went really badly becuase I was answering a question and realised after they were pointing me in the opposite direction because I was wrong and I didn’t really have a clue. The other one I thought went slightly better. I didn’t think I was going to get a place.

What questions were you asked during your interview(s)?

What is your favourite pop group/ film etc? if we gave you 50,000 pounds what would you study in 3 years? I was shown lots of diagrams (eg. volcanos, industrial power map) and asked to say what it showed then explain why this was.

What did you wear to your interview(s), and why?

A casual shirt, and a skirt. I felt comfortable in them, I looked vaguely smart.

Impressions

What was your general impression of the college that you applied to/any others you visited?

Great place to be.

If seen, please describe the college accommodation eg. size of rooms, facilities.

Room was like a converted cupboard, which was good because it was warmer than others which were larger. One shower/toilet between 2 people. Very good.

How was the food provided by the college?

Edible but not great

Got progressively worse.

How did you find the tutors in the college?

Friendly, tried to put you at your ease.

Generally, what were the college students like (from what you saw of them)?

Very nice, friendly and helpful.

Final stage

Please describe what happened when you received the letter/the call telling you whether you had a place or not.

I got a text from a friend in Wales on the Thursday saying they hadn’t got in, so I knew it was coming. On the Friday i was dreaded coming home from school because I thought it would be there, but it wasnt. In the end on the Saturday morning I was suprisingly calm. I went to the door and it was an A4 thick envelope. I guessed then I got a place so I opened it. Afterwards I began phoning everyone I knew.

Looking back

If you were to re-live that year of your life again, would you still apply?

Yes, its an invaluable experience

What advice do you have for potential applicants based on your experiences?

Have fun while your down there. You won’t die if you don’t get a place. And it’s their loss if they don’t take you.

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